祸起萧墙 (huò qǐ xiāo qiáng)

Basic Information

Chinese Idiom: 祸起萧墙
Pinyin: huò qǐ xiāo qiáng
Literal Meaning: Disaster arises from the xiao‑qiang screen‑wall.

Figurative definition

Calamity, conflict or rebellion originates from inside a group, organization or nation, rather than from outside enemies.

Cultural & historical background

This idiom comes from a famous passage in the Analects (in the chapter Jishi).

The story involves Confucius and his disciples Ran You (冉有) and Zilu (子路), who were serving as advisors to the powerful noble family of Ji (季氏) in the state of Lu.

The Ji family was planning to attack a small neighboring state called Zhuan Yu (颛臾) to expand their territory. Ran You and Zilu reported this plan to Confucius. Confucius was furious and scolded them, arguing that the attack was unjust and unnecessary.

He then said the most famous line:

“吾恐季孙之忧，不在颛臾，而在萧墙之内也。”
(“I fear that the worries of the Ji family do not lie in Zhuan Yu, but rather within their own screen wall.”)

Confucius meant that the Ji family’s real danger was not external (Zhuan Yu was tiny and posed no threat). Instead, their true danger came from within — the power struggles, disloyal retainers, and political rivals inside their own court. By attacking a weak neighbor, they were ignoring the far more serious problems brewing under their own roof.

Later, Book of Sui · Biography of Yu Jicai adopted this phrase; the emperor voiced his fear that turmoil would break out from within his own court. Gradually, “祸起萧墙” became a settled idiom for internal strife.

Similar English Expressions

• The enemy within – An internal threat or traitor inside an organization.
• A house divided against itself cannot stand – Internal division leads to destruction (Lincoln).
• Family feud / internal strife – Conflict among family members or close colleagues.
• Infighting Conflict within a single group.
• Trouble brews at home.
• Disaster stems from within.